Trusting the Fruit: Why We’re Backing McLaren Vale Fiano 101
Why Matt Wenk Believes in Fiano in McLaren Vale
After more than 30 years of making wine, Matt is still drawn to varieties that genuinely suit their site. For Smidge, Fiano is one of them.
In McLaren Vale, Fiano holds its shape in the heat, keeps its natural freshness, and produces wines with both brightness and texture. That matters to us, because when the fruit begins in balance, the job in the winery is not to force it into shape, but to guide it carefully.
The 2025 Il Piano Fiano is our expression of that thinking: a white wine with citrus, freshness and quiet detail, made to feel at home at the table.
Why Fiano suits the Vale
McLaren Vale is Mediterranean in character, with long, dry summers and cooling afternoon breezes. These are conditions that suit Fiano well.
One of the reasons we trust the variety is its resilience. It holds onto acidity, keeps its composure through warm conditions, and gives us fruit with natural line and freshness rather than heaviness.
That does not just make it reliable. It makes it interesting. When the fruit comes in balanced, there is less need for adjustment and more chance for the wine to show clarity, restraint and a genuine sense of place.
Two vineyards, one wine
The 2025 Il Piano brings together fruit from two vineyards, each contributing something different.
Blue Springs brings freshness, youthful energy and bright citrus character. The mature Redwin vineyard in Whites Valley contributes more texture, weight and savoury complexity.
Together, they create a wine with both brightness and substance — fresh enough for a warm afternoon, but with enough shape and detail to hold attention at the table.
How we make Il Piano
Most of the wine was fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness, clarity and the natural line of the fruit.
A smaller portion was wild fermented in older French oak. This adds texture, softness and a gentle oatmeal-like complexity, without pushing the wine into obvious oak character.
The aim is not to make the wine feel worked. It is to give it enough shape and texture to feel complete, while keeping its brightness intact.
What the wine shows
In the glass, Il Piano opens with citrus, lemon curd and fresh herbal notes, alongside a subtle savoury edge that gives the wine character rather than simple fruit sweetness.
On the palate, there is gentle textural weight balanced by natural acidity, finishing crisp, clean and refreshing.
It is a very natural fit with seafood, burrata, grilled vegetables or a table set for a long lunch with friends.
Who will enjoy this wine
- If you enjoy Chardonnay but want something fresher: Il Piano has texture and presence, with more lift and brightness.
- If you love seafood and Mediterranean-style food: this is a very natural table wine.
- If you are curious about modern Australian whites: Fiano is one of the most compelling varieties now finding its place in McLaren Vale.
Frequently asked questions
What does Fiano taste like?
Fiano is typically dry, medium-bodied and aromatic, often showing citrus, herbs, texture and a fine line of acidity. Our 2025 Il Piano leans into lemon curd, fresh herbs and a savoury finish.
Is Fiano dry or sweet?
Fiano is made as a dry white wine. Its texture can sometimes feel generous, but the finish is clean and crisp.
How should I serve it?
Best served chilled but not too cold, around 8–10°C, so the texture and detail can show properly.
Does it age well?
Yes. While it drinks beautifully now, Fiano has the structure and acidity to reward careful cellaring over the next several years.
Taste or order
You can order the 2025 Il Piano Fiano directly online, or visit us in McLaren Vale and taste it at the winery.
If you are still deciding where to begin with Smidge, our Start Here selection is an easy introduction to the range.